Isha Prayer
The night prayer, performed after twilight has disappeared
Rakats Breakdown
Follows the Hanafi school of thought. Minor variations may exist in other schools. All schools agree on the Fardh (obligatory) rakats.
Prayer Time
From when red twilight disappears until midnight (or dawn according to some scholars)
"Establish prayer at the decline of the sun [from its meridian] until the darkness of the night."
— Quran 17:78
Read verseKey Points
- Witr is Wajib (necessary) in Hanafi school, highly emphasized in all schools
- Angels witness Isha and Fajr prayers
- Final prayer of the day
Islamic Sources
"If people knew what is in the call to prayer and the first row, and they could not attain it except by drawing lots, they would draw lots. If they knew what is in praying Isha and Fajr in congregation, they would come to them even if crawling."
— Sahih al-Bukhari 615
Read full reference"Witr is a duty (Haqq) upon every Muslim, so whoever wishes to pray five rak'ahs of Witr may do so, and whoever wishes to pray three may do so, and whoever wishes to pray one may do so."
— Sunan Abu Dawud 1422 (Sahih)
Read full reference